By Sydney Chandler Fresh snow changes what we see in the landscape and it draws our attention to new observations. At the Arboretum, there is a magical perfection of untouched snow. In contrast, there are disturbances that tell stories of “Who?” and “What happened?” Fothergilla a.k.a. Snow Tacos At the Arboretum, colors and smells typically…
Category: Nature Notes
Late Fall Findings
By Mary Beth Pottratz There are still a few white berries red-osier dogwood; most have been eaten by birds and other animals. Pale golden tamarack needles dust the pathway, and some are still on the trees. Mixed with pale golden gingko leaves, it is a study in monotone texture. Tamarack Needles The Rose Garden and…
Promise of Sun
By Greg Lecker It’s cold but breaks of sun offer a promise of warmth. Between the Ordway Shelter and Green Heron Pond, a bit of warmth attracts my attention. The sun glows within a clump of witch hazel. I approach to study the shrub border. Witch Hazel Witch hazel is a large rounded native shrub…
Plenty of Nature on the Dog Trails
By Holly Einess I arrive at the Arboretum on a cold and cloudy day in the mood to explore some new territory. Looking over the map I’ve grabbed from Oswald Visitor Center, the Dog Trails catch my eye. I’m told by the volunteers at the visitors’ desk that the trails are well worth a hike…
Exploring the Forest Floor
By Sydney Chandler A beautiful fall day: the leaves on the trees are few, the blanket of leaves on the floor is deep, and the camouflaged forest floor prompts curiosity and mysteries. Bare Trees On this fall day, drops of blood along the Wood Duck Trail create a spooky Halloween mystery. The trail of blood…
Beneath the Surface
By Greg Lecker The windy, gray day passes a rumor of clearing and sun. As I walk along the path on the south side of Green Heron Pond, a red squirrel chatters at me. A chipmunk – or ground squirrel – darts across the path and dives into its burrow. Front Door for a Chipmunk…
Sights and Sounds on Spring Peeper Trail
By Holly Einess After several cloudy days, and more on the way, I take this sunny morning as an opportunity to check out the fall colors at the Arboretum. I drop behind the Snyder Building down to the small pond below the waterfall, where a pair of mallard ducks cuts a path through the duckweed,…
Early Autumn Jewels
By Greg Lecker I leave the Trex deck overlook below the Ordway Shelter and enter the path that winds around the north side of Green Heron Pond. Immediately, a cluster of blue berries catches my attention. Arrowwood with Berries A thickly branched bush is flush with dark green leaves and laden with intensely blue berries. …
Going Nuts: The Oak and Nut Tree Collection at the Arboretum
By Alan Branhagen Director of Operations In what tree collection was the first tree planted at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum? If you answered Oak and Nut Tree Collection you would be correct. Dr. Leon Snyder planted a shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa) as the very first tree planted at the Arboretum (and actually before the property…
Birds (and more) on Wood Duck Trail
By Holly Einess I arrive at the Arboretum just as the grounds open, hoping to catch some early-morning bird activity. I’ve barely left the parking lot before seeing two goldfinches feasting on coneflower seeds. They are transitioning from their bright breeding plumage to their drabber winter colors. All birds molt—replace their feathers—at least once a…
